WHEN Phoebe Clive advertised for an apprentice for her furnishing company, she narrowed the shortlist down to two. Unable to choose she employed them both.

That's how Jack Williams and Debbie Dorman have started at Tinsmiths in High Street, Ledbury, with the aim of gaining a level three diploma in business and administration.

Mrs Clive explained: "We had always enjoyed short term arrangements with 16 plus and gap year students, but a chance conversation with a friend who was interviewing for his second apprentice encouraged me to get in touch with Creative Alliance. It is the leading vocational learning provider in the Midlands for the Creative & Cultural industries. The social enterprise’s purpose is to enable talented young people to get into learning, training and working in creative roles.

“When we reached the later stages I really couldn’t choose between two impressive applications , so we decided to offer both a position. It was just the right moment for Tinsmiths. Growth meant new business systems were being developed and we were about to create a new website. We would like to encourage young people to stay in the area and the year-long apprenticeship allows time for learning that is practical and transferable.”

Both apprentices will gain a level three diploma in business and administration on completion of their year. Mrs Clive added: "For some people going to university isn’t the most logical next step from school and this NVQ qualification is structured to give students skills that are valued within a wide scope of business environments."